Musically Amusing

January 17, 2013 · 4:56 pm

Download: Dada Life – “So Young So High” ANDYBODY Remix

Following the critically acclaimed release of So Young So High – the second single to be taken from their globally celebrated 2012 album The Rules of Dada – outrageous Swedish duo DADA LIFE now announce the release of Dillon Francis’ masterful rework, OUT NOW on PM:AM Recordings.

Purchase: Dada Life – “So Young So High” (Dillon Francis Remix)

Previewed on Dada Life’s Soundcloud just a few days ago, this pounding, bass-heavy edit from one of the hottest names on the circuit right now has clocked up a staggering 100,000 unique plays already, and is available to buy now exclusively from Beatport.

The second in a distinguished line of exquisite remixes to come from So Young So High has been released as a free download. The crunching electro-house remix from mysterious enigma ‘ANDYBODY’ has set the online world alight over the past couple of weeks as it continues to gather hefty support from fans across the world.

Download: Dada Life – “So Young So High” (ANDYBODY Remix)

Next up, it’s heavyweight Dutch veteran TIËSTO with his hard-hitting interpretation, which is set to drop mid-February.

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Filed under Awesome, downloads

Tagged as ANDYBODY, Beatport, Dada Life, Dillon Francis, free download, remix, So Young So High, Tiesto

January 16, 2013 · 3:50 pm

Brand New: Stream Cold War Kids “Miracle Mile”

Cold War Kids are excited to announce the release of their fourth studio album, Dear Miss Lonelyhearts, on April 2, 2013 via Downtown Records (and via MapleMusic Recordings in Canada). In anticipation of the release, the band is currently streaming the album’s engaging lead single, Miracle Mile.

Stream: Cold War Kids – “Miracle Mile”

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts came to life at the band’s San Pedro, CA studio space. They enlisted new guitar player, Dann Gallucci (Murder City Devils, Modest Mouse) and Lars Stalfors to produce. “We were shaken up, ready to let certain songs go further than before by trying new styles and arrangements, while keeping others sparse and caring more about the finished product and less about how we got there,” says lead singer Nathan Willett.

The band will release trailers, from the making of their record, each week leading up to April 2nd. Trailers 1 and 2 are available now on their website. They truly encapsulate the energy that Cold War Kids bring to their live performances and it are those performances which remain the heart of the band.

Current confirmed tour dates are listed below:

February 15 Pappy & Harriet’s Palace – Pioneertown, CA
February 16 SLO Brewing Company – San Luis Obispo, CA
February 21 The Observatory – Santa Ana, CA
February 22 Cellar Door – Visalia, CA
February 23 SOHO Music Club – Santa Barbara, CA
March 8 The Crescent Ballroom – Phoenix, AZ
March 9 Tricky Falls – El Paso, TX
March 11 Fitzgerald’s – Houston, TX
March 13 Clive Bar – Austin, TX
April 3 Gothic Theatre – Englewood, CO
April 4 Slowdown – Omaha, NB
April 5 First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN
April 6 Metro – Chicago, IL
April 9 Newport Music Hall – Columbus, OH
April 10 Paradise Rock Club – Boston, MA
April 11 9:30 Club – Washington, DC
April 12 Union Transfer – Philadelphia, PA
April 13 Webster Hall – New York, NY
April 15 Cat’s Cradle – Carrboro, NC
April 16 Cannery Ballroom – Nashville, TN
April 17 The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA
April 24 Batacian – Paris, France
April 27 Plaza – Zurich, Switzerland
April 29 Flex – Vienna, Austria
April 30 C-Club – Berlin, Germany
May 16 Neptune Theatre – Seattle, WA
May 17 Vogue Theatre – Vancouver, BC
May 18 Crystal Ballroom – Portland, OR
May 23 Regency Ballroom – San Francisco, CA
May 24 Henry Fonda Theatre – Los Angeles, CA
May 25 Belly Up Tavern – Solana Beach, CA
May 1 Paradiso – Amsterdam, Holland
May 2 Gebaeude 9 – Cologne, Germany
May 6 Pumphuset – Copenhagen, Germany
May 7 Grunspan – Hamburg, Germany
May 9 Forum – London, UK
May 10 Ritz – Manchester, UK

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Filed under Awesome, Band Change-ups, Highly Anticipated, listen, new albums

Tagged as Cold War Kids, Dear Miss Lonelyhearts, Downtown Records, Miracle Mile, new album, stream, tour dates

January 16, 2013 · 3:06 pm

New: Houses Album Preview

It’s a product of quiet bedroom experimentation: subtly crafted for headphones, yet full enough to envelop a room in gorgeous melodies and exuberant sheets of sound– NPR

Recorded over the past year, splitting time between their new home of Los Angeles and Sonic Ranch ( Animal Collective, Beach House, At the Drive In, Yeah Yeah Yeah’s), the bliss-duo Houses are set to release sophomore album A Quiet Darkness on April 16th via Downtown Records.

The narrative of the album tells the story of a husband and wife separated in the midst of a nuclear disaster and their attempt to reunite with one another along the Highway 10 in California before their inevitable deaths, each song taking place in different abandoned houses along the way. Real life couple Dexter Tortoriello (also of Dawn Golden and the Rosy Cross) and Megan Messina made the trek themselves multiple times, to record sound and video at these abandoned houses that are featured on the album.

The album’s celestial ambiance and wanderlust concepts are conveyed throughout the recording with techniques employed by Dexter Tortoriello’s production and the stark contrast between the minimal electronic pulses, found sounds and meandering and melancholy harmonies. The ethereal sound on which Houses was built is woven through A Quiet Darkness, the 2013 release shows a deep and pensive side to a band who clearly encompass a darker side of bliss; a bold new bravado that will resonate with anyone who has ever experienced love and loss. Look for Houses to preview some of A Quiet Darkness at this years SXSW and check out some additional tour dates below.

Stream: Houses – “Beginnings”

HOUSES LIVE DATES:

2/27 The Echo (LA)
3/13 SXSW (AUSTIN)
3/14 SXSW (AUSTIN)
3/15 SXSW (AUSTIN)
3/16 SXSW (AUSTIN)
3/28 Popscene (SF)

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Filed under Highly Anticipated, listen, new albums, Shows, video, Whoa!

Tagged as A Quiet Darkness, Animal Collective, Beach House, Beginnings, Dexter Tortoriello, Houses, Los Angeles, Megan Messina, new album, Sonic Ranch, stream, SXSW, video

January 15, 2013 · 4:08 pm

Video: PAPA – “Put Me To Work”

Last October, I posted about this song, “Put Me To Work” by PAPA. (I am STILL in love with it, btw.)

Now, here’s the official video for the song…check it out! It’s a stark, colorful clip by their usual collaborator Jonathan Hausfater that acts as a teaser for the LA duo’s coming full length this year. According to drummer/singer Darren Weiss they were inspired by the show Pete and Pete as their goal was “to make it funny, sad, strange, and beautiful.”

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Tagged as love, PAPA, Put Me To Work, video

January 15, 2013 · 11:38 am

Stream: Gold Fields – “Dark Again” (Diamond Rings Remix)

After releasing an EP last March, Gold Fields will release their debut LP, Black Sun, on February 26th via Astralwerks. The Australian quintet has toured with Diamond Rings, Crystal Castles, SBTRKT & Metric, and will be heading out their first US co-headlining tour early next month. Having played 2012’s SXSW and CMJ, the band has already received praise from the New York Times, Billboard, FILTER, & more. Check out the streams below, Diamond Rings and Gold Fields remixed each other!

Stream: Gold Fields – “Dark Again” (Diamond Rings Remix)

Stream: Diamond Rings – “Runaway Love” (Gold Fields Remix)

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Filed under new albums, video, Whoa!

Tagged as Astralwerks, Black Sun, Dark Again, Diamond Rings, Gold Fields, New York Times, remixes, Runaway Love, stream, video

January 11, 2013 · 9:50 am

Download: Hollis Brown – “Down On Your Luck”

After releasing their debut EP last year, the NYC-based band is gearing up to put out their first full-length album, Ride On The Train. Full of gritty jams and soft, sweet ballads, Ride On The Train will be released March 5th via Alive Records.

Despite its title, album track “Down On Your Luck” sets a bright, hopeful tone with twangy guitars and a playful vocal melody. “Doghouse Blues” is a straight-up bluesy rock song with rollicking melodies and dirty guitar licks. “Walk On Water” kicks it up a notch with raw vocals and screeching guitar solos. Tracks like the melancholic “If It Ain’t Me” and the powerfully optimistic “Faith & Love” showcase the band’s vulnerable side. The album closes on a sweet note with “Nightfall,” fading out with smooth, crooning vocals drifting above light, dreamy instrumentation.

Having already performed alongside Deer Tick and Caveman, Hollis Brown will hit the road for a mini East-coast tour this month. Be sure to catch them live in your city, and stay tuned for more from Hollis Brown coming soon!

Download: Hollis Brown – “Down On Your Luck”

Hollis Brown on Tour:
1/11: Annapolis, MD @ Metropolitan
1/16: Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Cafe
1/17: Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom
1/18: Columbus, OH @ Rumba Cafe
1/19: Frederick, MD @ Cafe Nola
2/01: Burlington, VT @ Red Square
2/02: Boston, MA @ Great Scott
2/16: Philadelphia, PA @ Milkboy

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Filed under Check 'em Out!, downloads, new albums

Tagged as blues, Doghouse Blues, Down On Your Luck, free download, Hollis Brown, If It Ain't Me, Nightfall, Ride On The Train, rock, tour dates, Walk on Water

December 20, 2012 · 10:28 am

Video: Total Warr – “Where Is My Mind?” (Pixies Cover)

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French duo Total Warr formed when longtime friends Kiki and Guigui joined forces with the goal of creating fun, energetic pop songs. Since then, they’ve made their mark with a handful of singles and EPs that have earned praise from Stereogum, FADER, RCRD LBL, and more. Now, Total Warr is back with a new three-track EP that includes guest vocals from The Death Setand an electrically-charged Pixies cover. Packed with irresistible hooks and sing-along choruses, the Loisy EP will be released digitally on January 29th.

Total Warr’s “Where Is My Mind” (Pixies cover) turns the hit into a buzzing, beat-driven jam complete with a sample from “Empire State of Mind.” The video, which premiered with PAPER Magazine earlier today, builds from a simple live performance of the classic into an all out house party full of entertaining characters.

“Bambastard,” which features guest vocals from The Death Set’s Johnny Siera, opens the EP with a rich blend of electric guitar, synths, and layer upon layer of harmonies, all set to an infectious beat. “Always Me” slows things down with a swirling foundation of vocals and instrumentation that builds to an explosive climax.

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Filed under Check 'em Out!, video

Tagged as Empire State of Mind, Johnny Siera, Loisy, Pixies, RCRD LBL, Stereogum, The Death Set, Total Warr, video, Where Is My Mind?

December 19, 2012 · 11:43 am

New Video: Hooray For Earth – “Never/Figure”

New York based dream-pop group Hooray For Earth will be kicking off the new year with a string of dates throughout the Northeast and Midwest. The group is fresh out of the studio with producer Chris Coady (TV on the Radio, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Grizzly Bear, Blonde Redhead, etc) recording their follow-up to the acclaimed True Loves out on Dovecote Records.

The group will bring a dizzying amount of distortion and ethereal vocals to the masses starting January 13th in Washington before winding through the midwest including a performance at TNK Festival in Chicago on January 16th with Bear in Heaven, The-Drum and Dovecote labelmates Supreme Cuts, before wrapping up with a hometown show at Knitting Factory on January 31st. In celebration of these dates, check out the brand new music video for “Never/Figure”. This two-part music video includes both tracks from the band’s single release back in August. Directed by Milton Ladd, the video weaves a sinuous narrative. Follow the band into an affected world of psychosis, confusion, and memory replete with smoke signals, helicopters, levitating objects and more. Frantic visions and effects combine, on land and in the air, to conceive an alternate reality in which there are only questions.

HOORAY FOR EARTH TOUR DATES:

01-13-13 – Black Cat (Backstage) – Washington, DC # TIX
01-14-13 – The Ninth Ward – Buffalo, NY
01-15-13 – The Basement – Columbus, OH TIX
01-16-13 – Schubas Tavern (TNK Festival) – Chicago, IL % TIX
01-17-13 – Grog Shop – Cleveland, OH # TIX
01-31-13 – Knitting Factory – Brooklyn, NY ^ TIX

# w/ Bear In Heaven

% w/ Bear In Heaven, Supreme Cuts, The-Drum

^ w/ Ice Choir

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Filed under new albums, Shows, video

Tagged as Bear in Heaven, Chris Coady, Dovecote Records, Hooray For Earth, Never/Figure, Supreme Cuts, The-Drum, tour dates, True Loves, video

December 18, 2012 · 3:52 pm

Video: Gold Fields – “Dark Again”

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Gold Fields’ debut album Black Sun is armed with pop hooks, tribal beats, danceable rhythms, and plenty of emotion. With a larger-than-life live show, the the Australian quintet has already shared stages with acts like Crystal Castles, Metric, Pnau and SBTRKT.

After releasing their debut EP earlier this year, the band settled down to record their first LP – a task that would take the band on a journey they never expected. Following recording sessions with Mickey Petralia (Flight of the Conchords, Ladytron, Peaches) and manager Scott Horscroft (The Presets, Sleepy Jackson, Silverchair), the band’s record came together after several weeks of recording while holed up in a singer Mark Fuller’s family garage. The result of relentless work and playful experimentation, Black Sun will be released February 26th via Astralwerks.

Single “Dark Again” is a pop gem flecked with driving guitars and bright synths, all building to a heavy-hitting chorus that’s sure to make you move. The accompanying video features mysterious scenes full of graphic symbols against a black and white backdrop and model Shaun Ross who has previously starred in videos with Katy Perry, Kanye West & Beyonce.

Hitting listeners with a power-packed punch from its first note, Black Sun opens with the infectious “Meet My Friends,” a bass and percussion-driven track with haunting vocals echoing in the background. Tracks like “Ice” with its dreamy, swirling layers and the sincere lyrics of “Happy Boy” showcase the band’s vulnerable side. The album also contains “Treehouse” and the electrically-charged “Moves,” which you can watch a live performance of, here.

Stay tuned for more from Gold Fields soon, including US tour dates!